Norodom Sihamoni facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Norodom Sihamoni
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Sihamoni in 2019
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| King of Cambodia | |
| Reign | 14 October 2004 – present |
| Coronation | 29 October 2004 |
| Predecessor | Norodom Sihanouk |
| Prime ministers | |
| Born | 14 May 1953 Phnom Penh, Cambodia, French Indochina |
| House | Norodom |
| Father | Norodom Sihanouk |
| Mother | Norodom Monineath |
| Religion | Theravada Buddhism |
| Signature |  |
| Alma mater | Academy of Performing Arts in Prague |
Norodom Sihamoni (Khmer: នរោត្តម សីហមុនី, born 14 May 1953) is the current King of Cambodia. He became King on 14 October 2004. This was just one week after his father, Norodom Sihanouk, stepped down from the throne.
He is the oldest son of King Sihanouk and Queen Norodom Monineath. He is the fourth king from the royal House of Norodom. Before becoming king, Sihamoni was Cambodia's ambassador to the United Nations and UNESCO. He studied in Czechoslovakia and was known for his work in Europe. He was also a classical ballet teacher when he was a prince. As King, Sihamoni continues to support Cambodian culture. He also helps many good causes. He balances his role as a constitutional monarch with Cambodia's changing politics.
Contents
Early Life and Education
His Name and Family
Sihamoni was born in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on May 14, 1953. His name "Sihamoni" comes from his parents' names: "Sihanouk" and "Monineath." The name "Norodom" means "the best among men" in ancient languages.
His mother, Princess Monique, met King Norodom Sihanouk in 1951. She won a beauty contest. She became Queen Monineath when they married in 1952.
Sihamoni has 14 half-brothers and half-sisters from his father. His only full brother, Norodom Narindrapong, was born in 1954 and passed away in 2003.
Studying Abroad
Prince Sihamoni started school in 1959 in Phnom Penh. He became very interested in the arts early on.
In 1962, his father sent him to Prague, Czechoslovakia, to study. He went to primary school there. As a young boy, he performed in a play called The Nutcracker at the Prague National Theatre. He also took private ballet and piano lessons. He even appeared in a TV show called Brundibár, a children's opera.
He finished high school at the Prague Conservatory. He was a good student and loved the performing arts. He also learned to speak Czech very well. A movie about him, called The Other Little Prince, was made in Prague in 1967. He would visit Cambodia for holidays. During these visits, he took part in Cambodian arts. He even acted in a film made by his father.
From 1971 to 1975, Sihamoni studied classical dance and music. He earned a master's degree from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. After graduating in 1975, he went to North Korea to study filmmaking.
Returning to Cambodia
In 1976, Sihamoni was tricked into returning to Cambodia. The Khmer Rouge regime, led by Pol Pot, had sent a fake message. Once he returned, the royal family, including Sihamoni and his parents, were put under house arrest. This happened at the Royal Palace. This was during the time of Democratic Kampuchea.
The Cambodian genocide happened during this period. Many members of the royal family were killed. Sihamoni and his close family lived in fear every day. They were cut off from the outside world. In 1979, the Vietnamese Invasion removed the Khmer Rouge. The family was flown to China. Sihamoni then worked as a secretary for his father.
His Career
In 1981, Sihamoni moved to France. He taught classical dance and art for almost 20 years. He taught at several music schools. He also became president of the Khmer Dance Association there. He lived in France for nearly two decades. He continued his work in the arts. He started his own dance group, 'Ballet Deva'. He was its General Manager and Artistic Director. He also led the Royal Khmer Cinematic Corporation. During this time, he even spent some time as a Buddhist monk.
In the early 1990s, Prince Sihamoni was chosen to represent Cambodia at the United Nations. In 1993, he became Cambodia's representative to UNESCO in Paris. He held this job until he became King in 2004. He was known for his hard work and love for Cambodian culture. In 2003, he also became a special advisor to King Norodom Sihanouk.
Becoming King
Accession and Coronation
On October 14, 2004, Sihamoni was chosen as King. A special nine-member group, the Royal Council of the Throne, elected him. This happened quickly after King Norodom Sihanouk surprisingly stepped down. At that time, there were no rules in the constitution about a king stepping down.
Prime Minister Hun Sen and Prince Norodom Ranariddh (Sihamoni's half-brother) supported his selection. King Sihanouk also agreed. Sihamoni was said to be unsure about becoming king. But he accepted for the good of the country. He returned to Phnom Penh on October 20. About 100,000 people welcomed him and his parents at the Royal Palace.
He was officially made King on October 29, 2004. The coronation ceremony was held at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. The ceremony was simple, as King-Father Sihanouk had asked. King Sihamoni did not want a fancy event. He did not want the country to spend too much money. He chose a more modest celebration. He did not sit on the highest throne or wear the gold-and-diamond crown.
In the first six months, Sihamoni visited people across Cambodia. He often made surprise visits. People praised him for being "close to the people." They said he had a "gentle touch."
On October 29, 2014, Cambodia celebrated his 10th anniversary as King. Many people gathered outside the royal palace. They honored the King on this special day.
Royal Advisors
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In 2008, Sihamoni chose 26 members of the royal family to be his advisors. His half-brother, Prince Norodom Ranariddh, became the chief advisor. Other advisors included Prince Sisowath Sirirath and Princess Norodom Marie. His half-sister, Princess Norodom Arunrasmy, and his uncle, Prince Norodom Sirivudh, also joined the council.
In 2023, former Prime Minister Hun Sen was appointed to lead the council. Other important officials also joined after leaving their government roles. These appointments continued into 2024.
His Role in Politics
The King has limited political power. He rarely gets involved in Cambodian politics. This is because he is a constitutional monarch. He is seen as being "above politics."
Some people want him to speak out more on political issues. They say his father, King Sihanouk, did this. Others say the constitution states the King "shall reign but shall not govern." They believe political involvement is not good for the monarchy or the country. Sihamoni has promised to stay out of politics. He has kept this promise. This helps the monarchy remain neutral and respected.
Border Dispute
In 2005, Sihamoni faced a challenge. He was unsure about signing a border treaty with Vietnam. His father, King Sihanouk, also opposed it. This caused some tension with the government. Prime Minister Hun Sen was frustrated by the delay.
Sihamoni eventually signed the treaty. He was told that no land would be given away.
Political Pardons
In 2006, the King pardoned some opposition politicians. These included Sam Rainsy and Cheam Channy. They had faced charges that seemed political. This act was seen as a good step. It helped reduce political tensions.
In 2009, Sihamoni asked the government to pardon a journalist, Hang Chakra. The King's request was first rejected. But it was later accepted. Sihamoni pardoned Chakra in 2010.
In late 2009, he also pardoned a Thai national, Siwarak Chutipongse. This was done for humanitarian reasons. Siwarak had been jailed for sharing sensitive information.
2013 Election and Aftermath
Before the 2013 Cambodian general election, Sihamoni pardoned opposition leader Sam Rainsy. This allowed Rainsy to take part in the election. The United Nations welcomed this decision.
After the election, there was a dispute over the results. This led to protests. The King tried to help solve the problem. He urged for national reconciliation. He used his moral authority to bring the two party leaders together. He asked them to stop the violence and find a solution. In July 2014, the parties reached an agreement.
In August 2014, Sihamoni officially swore in the opposition members of parliament. He encouraged both sides to work together for stability. For a while, there was good communication between the parties. However, tensions returned. The opposition party was later dissolved in 2017.
Controversial Laws
In 2017, a new law about political parties was introduced. Human rights groups worried it would limit the opposition. When it was time for the King to sign this law, he was overseas. The President of the Senate signed it instead. This led to talk about why the King was away. Some thought he avoided signing controversial laws.
Similarly, in 2018, the King was away when a new Lèse-majesté (insulting the king) law was signed. This also sparked speculation. Some believe these trips are timed. They allow the King to avoid signing laws that might be unpopular. However, in 2015, the King did sign a controversial law about non-governmental organizations. This shows that his absences are not always for this reason.
Recent Elections
In 2018, Sihamoni encouraged Cambodians to vote in the national elections. This was despite calls to boycott the election. After the elections, the ruling party won almost all seats. The King opened the new parliament. He urged lawmakers to protect the rights of all Cambodians. He asked them to work for national unity.
In recent years, the King has approved requests to allow former opposition members to return to politics. This includes figures like Son Chhay and Pol Hom. He has politically restored at least 32 former opposition figures. He has also pardoned others, like land rights activist Tep Vanny.
In the 2022 Cambodian communal elections, he again asked all eligible Cambodians to vote. He told them not to fear threats. Many political parties thanked the King for his message.
At the ASEAN summit in November 2022, Sihamoni hosted regional leaders. He spoke about Cambodia's commitment to the group of nations. He stressed the importance of working together on global issues. These include peace, healthcare, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In February 2023, before the July general election, Sihamoni again promoted voting. He called for free elections. His message was supported by the National Election Committee. The election resulted in the ruling party's victory.
In July 2023, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced he would step down. He wanted his son, Hun Manet, to take over. King Sihamoni agreed to this change. In August, he officially appointed and swore in Hun Manet as the new Prime Minister.
Helping Others
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King Sihamoni cares deeply about the well-being of the Khmer people. He is known as a humble monarch. He does a lot of humanitarian work.
For example, in 2006, he donated three minibuses. This helped students and teachers at the Royal University of Fine Arts. In 2010, after a terrible stampede in Phnom Penh, he helped victims. He gave money to families who lost loved ones. He also supported those who were injured.
In 2016, he donated $6.5 million. This money came from selling a royal residence. It went to the Kantha Bopha Foundation. This foundation runs children's hospitals. In 2018, he gave essential goods to over 500 families affected by flooding.
He sometimes helps people directly. He has gone to flooded areas to hand out goods. He once stopped his car to give a blanket to an elderly person. Sihamoni regularly donates to the Cambodian Red Cross. He also gives money for schools, orphanages, and health centers. His kindness extends internationally. He donated to victims of Hurricane Katrina. He has also helped with disaster relief in China.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, King Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath donated over $1 million. This helped Cambodia fight the virus. The King also provided food, water, and face masks. In 2022, he gave $500,000 for demining efforts. This helps clear landmines left from past conflicts.
In 2024, he recognized and gave gifts to over 2000 rubbish collectors in Phnom Penh. He and the Queen-Mother also donated $100,000 to the Cambodian Red Cross.
Promoting Culture
Sihamoni is a strong supporter of Cambodian arts and culture. In 2006, he was chosen to write a message for International Dance Day. He praised the importance of dance, especially the Royal Ballet of Cambodia.
He has supported many films. In 2012, he attended the opening of L'ombrello di Beatocello. This film was about a doctor who helped Khmer society. In 2017, he attended the global premiere of First They Killed My Father. This film was about a survivor of the Khmer Rouge. In 2023, he attended the premiere of The Perfect Motion. This film explored the Royal Ballet.
The King strongly supports Buddhism. He believes it is important to Cambodian culture. He often leads major Buddhist festivals. He also works closely with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.
He presides over important national events. These include Bon Om Touk (a water festival), Independence Day, and Khmer New Year. In 2023, he lit the torch at Angkor Wat. This marked the start of the Southeast Asian Games.
Sihamoni is also dedicated to protecting ancient sites. He is the Honorary President of ICC-Angkor. This group works to protect Angkor Wat. He often attends events related to its preservation. In 2011, he attended a ceremony for the restored Baphuon temple. In 2021, he supported Cambodia's bid to add Koh Ker and Bokator to UNESCO's heritage lists. Both were successfully added. In 2023, he opened the restored western causeway at Angkor Wat.
Visits Abroad
King Sihamoni's first official trip as King was to China in 2004. He met with President Hu Jintao. This showed the strong friendship between China and the Cambodian royal family. He often visits China for health check-ups. He also meets with Chinese leaders.
In 2011, he did not attend the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Some British newspapers called this a "snub." But Cambodian officials quickly said that he had already declined the invitation.
In 2015, he attended the United Nations COP21 summit. He gave a strong speech about how climate change affects Cambodia. He urged global efforts to fight it. He also represented Cambodia at a conference in Beijing in 2019. This conference aimed to improve cooperation and cultural exchange in Asia.
Other important trips include visits to Japan, his "second homeland" the Czech Republic, India, and France.
Personal Life
The King is not married and has no children. Cambodia is not a hereditary monarchy. This means the next king is not chosen by birth. Instead, the Royal Council of the Throne will choose his successor. They will select from one of Cambodia's two royal families.
His parents were once asked about his marital status. His mother said he "only feels Buddhist." His father added that his son sees women "as his sisters." This shows Sihamoni's strong devotion to his Buddhist faith.
Sihamoni is seen as a thoughtful and cultured man. He was reportedly hesitant to become King. But he humbly accepted the important role.
Interests
Besides arts and culture, the King is said to have "simple tastes." In his free time, he enjoys meditation and reading. He also likes exercising and listening to classical music. He follows traditional Buddhist rituals. He reportedly enjoys comedy films and chocolates. He also likes to keep up with current events. He balances his personal interests with his busy schedule as head of state.
He is skilled at playing the piano. He also enjoys reading reviews about the Czech theatre scene.
Wealth
In 2020 and 2021, Prime Minister Hun Sen spoke about the King's wealth. He said Cambodia's monarchy is among the poorest in the world. He added that the King does not own private property. However, Sen noted that the King has a generous heart. This is clear from his many donations to the people.
Languages
Besides his native Khmer, Sihamoni speaks Czech fluently. He is the only ruling monarch in the world to do so. The King also speaks French well. He can have conversations in English and Russian. He also knows some Mandarin.
Films
Prince Sihamoni acted in a few films in the 1960s and 1990s. Most were directed by his father, who was a filmmaker. He has also been the subject of documentaries. He has directed some films himself.
| English title | Other names | Year | Role | Notes | Ref. |
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| The Curious History of Cambodia's Beloved Kings | N/A | 2021 | Subject | Documentary part of a series called 'Asia's Monarchies' | |
| The Other Little Prince | Jiný malý princ | 1967 | Subject | A Czech Documentary film | |
| My Village at Sunset | Mon village au coucher du soleil | 1992 | Actor | Film was the winner of the Prix Special at the Saint Petersburg Festival | |
| The Little Prince | Prachea Komar (ព្រះប្រជាកុមារ) | 1967 | Actor | Film won the Golden Apsara Award at the 1968 Phnom Penh International Film Festival | |
| Dream | N/A | 1992 | Director | A ballet film by Prince Sihamoni | |
| The Four Elements | Four Seasons | 1993 | Director | A ballet film by Prince Sihamoni | |
| Norodom Sihanouk, King and Film-maker | N/A | 1997 | Guest appearance | A French documentary film |
Titles and Honors
| Styles of King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia |
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| Reference style | His Majesty |
| Spoken style | Your Majesty |
Before he became King, his title was His Royal Highness Sdech Krom Khun Norodom Sihamoni. This meant he was a "Great Prince."
As King, his full title is very long and meaningful. It translates to: "His Merciful Excellent Majesty Protector, King Norodom Sihamoni, who unites the nation, religion, realms, and people of Khmer state, the great king who is supported by Buddha and Indra, the protector of independence, unification, and peace, the Great King of the Kingdom of Cambodia."
His shorter official title is: His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
In 2015, he received the honorary title Preah SriLoka Dhammika Raja. This means "Virtuous King for the Propagation of Buddhism in the World." He also became an "Honorific Professor" at a Chinese university.
In 2023, the World Fellowship of Buddhists gave him the honorary title of Royal Patron. In the military, he is called Supreme Commander of the Royal Khmer Armed Forces.
Patronages
As King, Sihamoni supports many causes and organizations. This includes many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profit organizations (NPOs).
Heritage
- Honorary President of ICC-Angkor (International Coordination Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of Historic Site of Angkor)
- Angkor Wat Western Causeway Restoration Project — Patron
- Baphuon Temple at Angkor Restoration Project — Patron
- Koh Ker Temple — Patron of its successful inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list
Cultural
- Member of the High Council of French-speaking Countries (2004)
- International Dance Day — Message Author (2006)
- Cambodian International Film Festival (CIFF) — Patron
- First They Killed My Father — Patron of film
- L'ombrello di Beatocello — Patron of film
- The Perfect Motion — Patron of film
Community
- Cambodian Red Cross — Patron
- Cambodian Children's Fund — Patron
- Kantha Bopha Foundation — Patron and major donor
- Eye Care Foundation — Patron
- Samdech Techo Project for Mine Action (STP-MA) — Patron
- Preah Sihamoniraja Buddhist University — Establishing Patron
- Don Bosco Foundation — Patron
- Hurricane Katrina disaster relief — Patron
- General disaster relief in China — Patron
Sporting
- 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games — Patron
- Bokator (Khmer martial art) — Patron of its successful inclusion on the UNESCO Intangible cultural heritage list
Environmental
- Airavata Elephant Foundation — Establishing Patron
- National Arbor Day — Patron
- National Clean City Day — Patron
Honours
National Honours
Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Cambodia
Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Monisaraphon
Foreign Honours
Grand Cross of the Order of the Legion of Honour (2006)
Collar and Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (Japan, 2010)
Awards
Czech Republic: Gratias Agit Award (2006)
Prague: Honorary Citizen of the City of Prague (2006)
Paris: Silver Medal of the City of Paris
Honorary Degrees
- Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, Honorary Doctorate (2010)
- Naresuan University, Honorary Doctorate in Political Science (2015)
Places Named After Him
- Dendrobium Norodom Sihamoni, an orchid (2006)
- Musee Preahbat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni (Norodom Sihamoni Museum), Royal Palace, Phnom Penh
- Preah Norodom Sihamoni Primary School
- Preah Norodom Sihamoni General and Technical Lycée
- Preah Sihamoniraja Buddhist University
- King Sihamoni Meditation Centre at Angkor Archaeological Park
- King Norodom Sihamoni Boulevard, Avenue, and Road in Siem Reap
See also
In Spanish: Norodom Sihamoní para niños
